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A switch for a water heater in my apartment is broken (image attached). It is an "Anchor Roma 32 Amp 1-Way Switch with indicator".

Can I replace it with this or this switch?

Would the installation be similar or the same?

Background:

I am a software engineer; I am not an electrical engineer but I have replaced switches 8-10 times in the past. However I have always purchased the exact same switch.

Should I be paying attention to anything other than the Amperes?

I am in a highly effected (by covid19) red quarantine zone in Mumbai, India and the switch I am replacing is unavailable. I am also unable to get an electrician because my block has been cordoned off.

The broken switch

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    \$\begingroup\$ I am going to say no, circuit breakers are rated for a much lower number of switch cycles than a normal wall switch, so while I may serve the same function, it will fail sooner than the wall switch, \$\endgroup\$
    – Reroute
    Commented May 31, 2020 at 8:38

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It won't fit in the box. This means it will be difficult to operate, and will leave parts exposed that should not be.

The 'D. P.' likely means that it is a double pole switch - you should replace it with a double pole switch.

It looks like you can buy an exact replacement from the same place for similar cost. You should do this instead.

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  • \$\begingroup\$ Thank you. I actually am not able to get that one delivered to my post code. I suspected it would not fit but I thought I'd live with it. Anyway, thank you very much. \$\endgroup\$
    – nosh
    Commented May 31, 2020 at 16:39

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